WORCESTERSHIRE’S players will again be out in force in the Birmingham League when County commitments allow this summer.

New head coach Kevin Sharp says it is ideal for players who are keen to remain in nick or want to get some more cricket under belt.

Players also want to continue to support clubs that many of them have been affiliated with since they were youngsters.

Daryl Mitchell, Brett D’Oliveira, Tom Fell, George Rhodes (pictured) and Ben Cox of the regular top six in the Worcestershire batting line-up during the second half of last summer played for their respective clubs as often as possible. But some of the bowlers and the majority of the Second XI would also turn out in the competition which is predominantly played on Saturdays.

Sharp said: “Most of our players do play when our commitments allow and it’s a good standard of cricket and it’s local.

“Those who are not in the first eleven, it’s an opportunity for them to get some more cricket.

“Even some of the first 11 players, who are regular first teamers, if there is a Saturday free then they will often go and play league cricket.

“They are very passionate about keeping in nick and supporting their clubs as well. A lot of our lads have been affiliated to the same club for some time now and they care deeply about that as well.”

Worcestershire are gearing up for the new County Championship Division One season which gets underway a week on Friday with a trip to Hampshire. But their preparations have been hampered by bad weather as their fixture with Leeds Bradford MCCU at RGS Worcester was abandoned.